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38 replies

Anonymous Posters?

P PGStaff10,000+ posts
Anonymous Posters

First of all, everything is great just the way things are, but....

I would be interested in what others think about the subject of anonymous posters. I know it does bother some people from time to time because it has been mentioned before.

I’ll start it…

I have absolutely zero problem with anonymous posters. Most of the people who post here are unknown to me as it is. In fact, a long time ago I was an anonymous poster. I can honestly say that never while being unknown did I ever say anything bad about another person, business, or organization. Also never anonymously promoted PG as Bob H. or Julie would attest to.

Most anonymous posters are just people who have questions or want to discuss things and have no motive other than learning, helping or just enjoying the discussions. Many of the very best IMO who post here are anonymous to most all of us. Most everyone here simply shares a passion or a genuine interest in the game that involves our children.

In another forum, some have said they enjoy the bickering and heated arguments and name calling. Must admit, it is very entertaining at times and I’ve had a few laughs at that over the years. Funny thing is, it's usually the people we know who are involved in the most heated disagreements. That's OK with me, they have the guts to stand behind what they write.

Here is where I have a problem. It is when someone comes on the site “anonymously” for the sole purpose of going after one target! In other words, someone who has a definite agenda, but can not reveal themselves or it would reveal the agenda.

Being a semi-paranoid person, I feel like we are that target at times. But we are not the only one targeted or even the main one by a long ways. And usually someone else takes care of the problem before I even see it.

I don’t mind the heat as long as the heat involves factual and truthful information. We already know we are far from perfect and have made mistakes! I can say there have been some actual lies written here over the years. Some are the type that could result in legal issues if we only knew who the poster was. Sometimes we try to find out where it came from and who it is that posted. This stuff is not informative at all, this is a back stabbing technique that could only come from someone with an agenda or other business reasons.

That said, we are among the lucky ones who do not get attacked very often. But I see others being thrown to the wolves, by unknown posters who offer nothing more to the message board. Then also, there are the unknowns who will promote a service, product, etc. as though they are just trying to pass along important information and help everyone. That is real CHEAP, and lacks class if not totally dishonest!

In the end, there is nothing wrong with being anonymous. There is only something wrong with those who use being unknown for their own agenda or to spite or hurt someone or something else.

Anonymous or not can be good. It all revolves around the PURPOSE of being involved here IMO!

So IMO there are excellent anonymous posters and there are the “snake in the grass” type of anonymous posters. Lucky for all of us, the good ones far outnumber the snakes!

In the end, just the way things are is fine with me. Because this is the best baseball site there is and I’m pretty sure it will stay that way for a long time.

Other opinions, please?
Original Post

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TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
PG

I definitely have a problem with those "hiding" in cyberpsace---I am like you--upfront and there for the darts to be thrown---but what you get is the truth and honesty in reply

I agree that this is the best baseball site on the internet and the "good guys" will overcome the "bad guys"--but I still have a problem with guys who need numerous id's---that is scary with what goes on in this country every day
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
PG,
You must not read college team boards much. Eek

I have never been anonymous and so have most of the really good posters here. Way back in teh beginning, I had a different name so only a few who knew who I was, once son went to college and TPM was the name it was pretty easy to figure out.

You can be anywhere in this world and someone might have something to say about you or your business or your son. One poster told me he was at a game and one of the posters sitting near him was mouthing off about his son, not knowing he was the parent.

When you are in business you open yourself to good and bad criticism, if it is not true, you correct it and move on, if it is slanderous, which I have never seen here, and it effects your business you do what you have to do, but the lesson is, because you are someplace highly visible and people know who you are, you have to accept that. That's not just for PG, but for everyone.

I personally don't like people that like to come and bait, or troll as they call it, but message boards are created partly for entertainment and sometimes it fills in for an awfully boring day! Smile
I also detest when someone goes anonymous to speak negatively about a young player, that's wrong.
Last edited by TPM
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
TPM,

Actually I don't read very many boards beyond this one and ours. IMO some of the very best posters here are people that I have no idea who they are.

I only mentioned us in order to make a point. Kind of wish I didn't now because we are actually among the lucky ones when compared to many others who are in the instructional business. I've even seen personal attacks made towards individuals and even players, posted by cowardly people with no identity.

Lies are lies, no one should have to accept that! There is no problem addressing the truth! Good or bad, the truth should never bother any honest person who has no interest in misleading people!

To repeat...

quote:
Here is where I have a problem. It is when someone comes on the site “anonymously” for the sole purpose of going after one target! In other words, someone who has a definite agenda, but can not reveal themselves or it would reveal the agenda.


In other words, those who have never posted before or after they strike! There are those who have posted using another username, only in order to strike! It is easy to figure out who these people are through checking IP addresses. I could give a very intertesting example from the past, but it would just open up another can of worms.

Just to be clear, this is not a PG thing, we are treated more than fair around here.
DE Double Eagle100+ posts
Anonymous posters who go out of there way to bash others are gutless. If someone asks for info and I have negative facts I will try to state them as objectively as possible. As my son is '08 and still very much trying to navigate where he will land next year, I think the anonymity is comforting. I am more free to ask for and absorb important info regarding colleges, because I know his name is not attached to the questions. After his decision is made I will probably announce it in the other thread and then anonymity is gone. I have no problem posting under my own name at that time.
justbaseballjustbaseball10,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Double Eagle:
As my son is '08 and still very much trying to navigate where he will land next year, I think the anonymity is comforting. I am more free to ask for and absorb important info regarding colleges, because I know his name is not attached to the questions.


I understand and agree with this Double Eagle. I think you are wise.

Having had little anonymity on here for some time, I wish I could go back to your way. I have opinons and questions that are mine, not my kids nor my wife's and I'd rather they just be attached to a screen name rather than a whole family.

I once had a scout tell me that I shouldn't post on these boards. He thought my opinions could be automatically associated with my kids. I don't know if he was/is right or not, but it was enough of a warning that I do wish I could go back to anonymity.
Last edited by justbaseball
B BillBill100+ posts
I agree that anonymity is good for the reasons that Double Eagle and others have expressed. I am completley against anonymity being used to bash others.

An example, I received an email on Monday bashing some candidates in a local election being held Tuesday. The person that did that hid behind an email address that they probably set up just for the purpose of sending an email accusing others of ethics violations. I view some of the bashing on HSBBW in the same way.

Other times I see where posters get into a disagreement and bashing is more perceived than real. Still, I wish more people would respond to differences of opinion without attacking the poster. I think newcomers can be driven away from HSBBW if people aren't more welcoming and understanding of those with less knowledge than them.

I've received a valualble education from Trhit, PGStaff, TPM, GotWood and other Oldtimers and newtimers. This community is too valuable to have some topics descend into bashing.

I also hate it when people sign up seemingly just to post an advertisement or bash. I understand when people wait a long while before actually signing up. That is what I did. But ultimately, this should be a forum for everyone to contribute as well as learn.

P.S. I've been thinking of changing my sign on because I think that I'd like a GREATER degree of anonymity. I have some interesting questions stored up to ask.
T TripleDad500+ posts
Double eagle I agree with you, Anonymous is important to me as well, until the kid lands somewhere. I ask some dumb questions and will be seeking advice that I would prefer not be attached to son at this time.

As far as posters using multiple Id's etc...I don't get it. And bashing a kid, I don't get that either.
There is another site(local)I look at every now and then and someone may be hyping a kid that I know. I also may know the kid can't play up to the hype. I just leave it alone. Nothing good can come from trying to take a kid down... NOTHING GOOD!

PG, I see you hanging out in the hitting forum often, I know you enjoy the banter back and forth (as do I) However, too many very good threads have been hijacted by 3-4 pages of garbage insults.

Maybe we should have an insult and conflict forum, anytime a good subject gets reduced to insults and pages and pages of posters trying to defend their position, than the moderator can sling the post over to the insult and conflict forum where it can continue. Heck, I may be having a bad day and jump in there and let off some steam!

ENTER: INSULT AND CONFLICT FORUM
warning: check your integrity at the door, or you will have none when you leave...

Reminds me of a classic:..JANE YOU IGNORANT SL........
itsinthegameitsinthegame5,000+ posts
PG,

I think anonymity mostly helps the site. Some people just want to keep their privacy - and they probably wouldnt contribute if they had to identify themselves.

The multiple id thing is kinda freaky - I dont like that one. Sort of like cyber dementia - or worse.

Regardless of whether you identify yourself - remain anonymous - or use 50 different ids - the HSBBWeb rules never change.

That is the best thing IMO.

If you hammer a kid - or denigrate others - your post will get gonged.

No negotiation - no "to and fro" - just a good old fashioned Chuck Barris gonging.

That is the ultimate in anonymity. LOL

Wink
OLDSLUGGER8OLDSLUGGER81,000+ posts
Well, its no secret who I am.......LOL

Anyway, I always had a problem with bashers hiding behind the guise of anonymity. We all know who many of us are, and I respect those waiting to announce who their boy is after their "landing space" is determined. Thats why the PM works well.

As you may have noticed, 99% of PM exchange remains private, but there are those who can violate that privilege.

On another Forum, some guy says he is an x-mlbscout, and proceeded to post misinformation about my son. PGJ read it, and afterward I confirmed it as bullcraap. So did Baseball America. "Plus exceeds 4", if you know what I mean.
Last edited by OLDSLUGGER8
infidel_08infidel_081,000+ posts
Guilty.




... of multiple personality disorder, but not spewing fire. Being "Left Out" doesn't afford me too much hands-on knowledge in the process, so I couldn't mount a reasonable assault if I tried. I'll contribute what I can and try to stay positive. I do agree that if a protester can't at least put their name in a PM, they should be gone.

I just wish my son could pitch as much junk as I do here.
Last edited by infidel_08
B bb1100+ posts
When I first joined I almost immeadiately changed my ID because I knew it could be traced to me. Since then I have never posted under another name. I've spoken and received some great answers as to how my son was used (pitch counts) and treated by his HS coach last year. As some of you may remember I had a heated disagreement with the coach. While I could handle any reprecussions from my posts I fear my son could not and how fair would that be to him? Someday I will be glad to reveal an identity but not until he has established himself and my son can't be hurt by my remarks.
I would never attack a kids ability or be a Troll.
MN-MomMN-MomHSBaseballWeb Owner
quote:
In the end, there is nothing wrong with being anonymous. There is only something wrong with those who use being unknown for their own agenda or to spite or hurt someone or something else.


A lot of good thoughts above, but I think PG's quote sums it up.

It's a good thing sometimes for us parents to be able to ask "dumb questions" without making our sons look dumb. But when people come on anonymously so that they can bash others without repercussions, that is just the oppositie of what this site is intended for.

And just a housekeeping note:

If you see some posts that are really straying from the Board Manners of this site, feel free to click the Alert button (yellow triangle with a ! in the middle) below the post. Otherwise you can always PM me or another moderator in case we have not noticed the post...or we might have seen the post but have not followed the pattern of posts by that member. Our volunteer moderators are probably the biggest factor in keeping this site safe and positive, and they are happy to help!

Julie
BumBum1,000+ posts
When I first joined I had no idea about how these message boards worked so my profile is anything but accurate, but only so as to not draw attention to myself. But like TPM says, I would NEVER trash a kid, nor would I troll. I have always identified myself to other members who PM me.. except maybe one or two I thought were "kukoo". As for trollers I think the community figures out pretty quickly their ulterior motives and usually -- poof -- they're gone. Sometimes these knuckleheads are even entertaining and spice things up a bit! But God Bless HSSBW and Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
I iheartbb1,000+ posts
Okay, I get it. But what about peope like me? We just want input, answers to questions that we have, and don't want to have our sons ripped appart just because they are not rated by or play for an elite school. Sometimes us regular/middle of the road peeps that have sons playing at D-l's, D-2s, or D-3's, and our players are very happy to be playing right now, whether or not they will make it to the MLB. They are living their dream right now, let them enjoy it.

Happy Turkey Day to All! Gobble Gobble ( Or in sons case Sleep, Sleep, Eat, Eat Smile
bcb3bcb3100+ posts
I like being anonymous, but I am mostly a question asker, not an advice giver. I think those like trhit,pg, tpm, and others add credibility to their advice by knowing their experience and expertise. I think when someone promotes an agenda or bashes someone anonymously, it becomes obvious pretty quickly, and loses credibility rather quickly.
jerseydadjerseydad1,000+ posts
QUOTE]Originally posted by Double Eagle:
As my son is '08 and still very much trying to navigate where he will land next year, I think the anonymity is comforting. I am more free to ask for and absorb important info regarding colleges, because I know his name is not attached to the questions. After his decision is made I will probably announce it in the other thread and then anonymity is gone. I have no problem posting under my own name at that time.[/QUOTE]

I sometimes wish I had not made my son's identity know after he committed. While I don't post that often, I now find that I am sometimes second guessing myself as to how my question or POV might be interpreted.

Just today I received a PM from a HSBBW friend asking me if I was thinking about doing something regarding scholarship negotiations after reading one of my posts.

The truth is I was just curious about the topic and thought I would throw it out there to see what the answer was. I now realize that I had better be careful on what I say or ask because my questions might be misinterpreted. In this particular case I could see if someone read my post they might think I was trying to figure out how to get more money out of a school. (Sure hope his recruiter isn’t monitoring this site)

So like Coach May, I'm thinking of looking for a new handle as well. What do you think about NoNothingDad. crazy
Last edited by jerseydad
20dad20dad1,000+ posts
it doesn't much matter to me who wrote what i read, because i find this a very educational site,and entertaining at times. the bantering can be comical at times, and i love to here when someones child takes another step up the ladder. don't care for personal attacks from any one to any one, really if you wouldn't do it face to face don't do it here.

don't care much for the self promotion ,but at times we ALL have done it. thats part of us learning. some learn quicker than others.lol. but the thing to look out for,as many have said is people getting the wrong idea about your son. in that respect it is better to be unknown. imo.
S sluggo100+ posts
On the other hand, I completely understand why it is frustrating to PG and others having to deal with anonymous attacks against your reputation. The 5A Baseball Board in Houston has their own way of dealing with such attacks, particularly when directed at the kids: they delete the post and threaten the poster with publicly revealing their identity. That usually does the trick. When I see a "coach" bash a kid, I find it really disgusting and revealing at the same time.

Really, I would love nothing better than to brag on my kid, but I am uncomfortable doing so. At some point I will. Probably got to make Varsity first.

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